Ephesus & Artemis: Small Group Shore Excursion with Lunch

Summary

Walk Ephesus’ marble streets, visit Artemis Temple, share Turkish lunch

You’ll meet your guide right at Kusadasi port before heading off with a small group to explore ancient Ephesus, light a candle at the House of Virgin Mary, taste homemade Turkish food in a carpet village, and stand where the Temple of Artemis once towered over everything. It’s not just about seeing ruins—it’s feeling them under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our guide, Emre, waving a sign at the Kusadasi cruise port—he grinned and said my name like he’d been practicing. I liked him instantly. The van was cool inside (thankfully; it was already warm and smelled faintly of sea salt) and we were just twelve, swapping names and cruise stories as we headed for Ephesus. Emre pointed out the fig trees on the way—apparently they’re everywhere around here. He told us about his grandmother’s baklava recipe, which made me hungry before we’d even started.

The House of the Virgin Mary was quieter than I expected. There was this hush in the air—maybe it was just everyone’s breath catching at once. I tried to imagine her living up here in these hills above Ephesus, birds rustling in the olive trees. Emre lit a candle and handed one to me; I fumbled it a bit and felt weirdly moved by how gentle he was about it. Then we walked down to Ephesus itself—the main keyword is “day trip Ephesus from Kusadasi” but honestly it felt less like a day trip and more like stepping into another world.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by old stones but there’s something about running your hand along marble that’s been worn smooth by thousands of years (and tourists). The Library of Celsus glowed in the sun—everyone stopped for photos but I just stood there for a second, squinting at the carved faces on the columns. Emre told us stories about gladiators and philosophers; someone asked if any cats lived here (they do). Oh, and you can actually skip the line with this tour—felt almost guilty walking right past that crowd.

Lunch was at this village where they weave carpets by hand—my fingers still smelled faintly of wool after touching one. We sat under vines eating grilled eggplant and lamb, laughing when someone tried to say “teşekkürler” (Li laughed hardest; I probably butchered it too). The last stop was the Temple of Artemis—just one column left standing in a marshy field but Emre painted such a picture of what it used to be that I could almost see it rising out of the grass. Sometimes ruins are more powerful because they’re mostly gone, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ephesus highlights and historic sites

• Meet guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port
• Visit House of Virgin Mary and Basilica of St. John
• Explore archaeological site of Ephesus
• See ruins of Temple of Artemis

Top questions

How long is the Ephesus shore excursion from Kusadasi?

The tour lasts about 5 hours including travel time from Kusadasi port.

Does this day trip include lunch?

Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is included at a local carpet village.

Is pickup from Kusadasi cruise port included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Kusadasi Cruise Port are included.

What are the main stops on this tour?

The tour visits Ephesus ruins, House of Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 12 people per tour.

Are skip-the-line tickets provided for Ephesus?

Yes, pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets are included for Ephesus entry.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Infants and small children can join; strollers/prams are allowed.

Do I need to provide my cruise ship details when booking?

Yes, you must provide ship name and times when booking if arriving by cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Kusadasi Cruise Port in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter with your own professional guide leading you through Ephesus’ ruins. You’ll get guaranteed skip-the-line entry tickets for all sites plus a traditional Turkish lunch served during a visit to a local carpet weaving village before returning comfortably to your ship.